Wind Farm Sites
What does the terrain look like?
If you read my previous post, you will have seen maps of the proposed wind farm sites. But what does the landscape look like where all this is planned?
This is drone footage of the southern end of the Cambrian Mountains, filmed above Llandewi Brefi in January 2024. The Bryn Cadwgan Energy Park site is in view near the beginning. Towards the end of the footage, note the expanse of forestry, a glimpse of water, and the weather mast.
A section of the forestry was cleared in June 2024, and now it looks like this……..
The orange sticker is where Ty’n Cornel sits. It is “The Remotest Youth Hostel” in Wales. It’s on The Cambrian Way and is one of three designated dark sky sites in the area.
Although the weather mast is difficult to see, it is just above the last cleared space on the right. It has been cleared and stands ready for the Waun Maenllyd Energy Hub.
The video showed a glimpse of water: Llyn Y Gwaith—a beautiful, tranquil lake in the middle of the forest. It now sits within the proposed boundary of Lan Fawr Energy Park.
Once used to supply water for the lead and silver mines of Llanfair Clydogau, it serves as a reminder of the dangers that may lurk from polluted waters trapped within the unmapped, abandoned mine workings on the mountain. This is a concern for all the water courses that ultimately find their way into River Teifi and the many people living in the surrounding area who are on private water supplies.
The wind farms sit above the Teifi Valley and the Upper Tywi Valley. Many people return time after time to enjoy this area for its warm hospitality, tranquillity, abundant nature and beautiful environment. It is conveniently positioned to enjoy the coast, mountains and countryside. If these projects go ahead, will these tourists ever return?
Lluest Y Gwynt Wind Farm is planned for the northern section of Ceredigion. It is a partnership between Statkraft and Eco2 and is located near the village of Ponterwyd, east of Aberystwyth, on the slopes of Pumlumon. It has been in the pipeline since 2020. and has just entered its statutory consultation phase, which will conclude on February 12, 2025. This marks the final consultation period before the submission of their planning application.
Two face-to-face public consultations are scheduled:
Syr John Rhys School, Ponterwyd, SY23 3JX
Wednesday, 29th January 2025, 4pm to 8pm
Llangurig Community Centre, Llangurig, SY18 6SG
Thursday, 30th January 2025, 10am to 2pm
Access a non-technical summary of the proposals here
Access a photo montage of the visual impact from Pumlumon Fawr here
This “Visit Wales” promotional video for Pumlumon Fawr highlights the impact that Lluest Y Gwynt would have on this environmentally sensitive area. The slopes of Pumlumon host the sources of the rivers Wye and Severn. The video briefly glimpses the Cefn Croes turbines from the summit, which are no higher than 100m. The 12 turbines planned for Lluest Y Gwynt are 180m high. It is also worth noting that the Cambrian Way is again impacted as it passes within the site boundary.
None of these projects will benefit the communities that will host them. The Welsh government offers much lip service about “taking the communities with us,” but there has been no engagement.
For similar projects that have already passed through the PEDW fast-track planning system, we hear, “Decision makers must prioritise the Welsh Government’s renewable energy targets. These goals are more important than any possible negative impacts.”
Who is weighing the cumulative impact of all the harm to our landscapes and biodiversity, agriculture and tourism, the rural economy, heritage, and the well-being of our communities now and for future generations?
We are but a small part of the vast number of renewable energy plans being made for Rural Wales. Look at the map of wind farms and planned pylon routes in Wales, which is updated as we become aware of new or revised proposals. Best viewed on a large screen, the map has layers you can add or remove to understand the bigger picture better. Zoom in or out and see how these projects might impact you and your community.
When it comes to onshore renewable energy developments, we urge the Welsh Government to consider its responsibility as the custodian of Wales because, once we lose our valuable assets, they will be gone for good!